I have enjoyed telling you about the Capital District YMCA's Black and Latino Achiever Program in the past- and now I get to tell you more! My goal over the next 6 months leading up to their annual awards ceremony will be to take a day each month to highlight some of the Adult and Youth Achievers who are receiving recognition from the Y for their efforts. My hope is this will inspire you to get involved with your community.
First of all ANY teenager can participate in this program. You do not need to be only black or Latino. The name is based on its roots but the program has evolved as the need in the community has evolved. The goal is to introduce teenagers to many aspects of the real world- from college visits, to tours of professional work places (including the TWC News Station) to visits from experts in many fields including science, technology, engineering and math. It is as rewarding for the adults as it is for the children. Take a look at this video and hear from some of the students themselves.
Today lets meet 3 adults who were honored at last year's banquet for their efforts to support the program.
Ladan Alomar, Executive Director Centro Civico of Amsterdam
Ladan Alomar has been an advocate for Latino youth for decades. Her organization has helped families with AIDS prevention, housing for the poor, youth construction training programs and assistance for persons with disabilities. She has been a volunteer for the Capital District YMCA Latino Youth Conference and backs this by getting youth from Amsterdam to attend. Ladan is a committee and board member of many Capital District causes that assist the under served in our communities.
Sean Brown, New York State Department of Education
Mr. Brown has been a volunteer with many organizations that are community based: Boys & Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House. He is the founder of Make A Play, Incorporated. This organization emphasizes youth development through the application of sports. He is a board member of the Achievers program. He has been a resource for connecting the Achievers program with other youth services organizations to maximize program impact.
Lieutenant Colonel Janice Gravely, Battalion Commander
US Army Recruiting Battalion Albany
LTC. Gravely has involved the USARMY with the Achiever program by presenting opportunities for careers in the military at branch sites and Saturday Clusters. She has mobilized her staff to get involved in the Achievers program. She has offered resources such as career guidance, SAT preparation workshops and online resources. LTC Gravely is a committed volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She is passionate about youth development and giving youth the best opportunities.
You may remember I interviewed Dave Brown/President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA at last year's awards ceremony. I have been honored to Emcee this event for 8 years now. I am also an Adult Achiever for my efforts to help create the curriculum for the program and for working as TW Cable Diversity Ambassador For News and Local Programming to bring the workplace tour to our television station. Dave is a true champion of this program and if you didn't get a chance to watch the whole interview please take some time to hear why he feels this program is so special.
Many YMCA's across the country have this program- so if you are reading from outside of the Capital Region reach out to your local Y to see how you can get involved. If you are a professional in the Capital Region or know of a teenager who could benefit from this program contact:
